The newly passed law prohibits the sale, distribution and use of lawn maintenance fertilizer containing phosphorus after December 31, 2013 and it will be unlawful to offer for sale any deicing agent containing urea, nitrogen, or phosphorus intended for application on parking lots roadways, and sidewalks, or other paved surfaces. The law also requires golf courses to implement nutrient management plans by July 1, 2017, and will utilize the existing resources of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Department of Conservation and Recreations to provide technical assistance and training and establish a cost-share program to assist in implementation of the nutrient management plans. For homeowners the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will develop consumer information and recommended best practices for the application of lawn fertilizer. The law also regulates lawn service companies and establishers reporting requirements for those who apply lawn fertilizer to more than 100 acres of nonagricultural lands annually This effectively leverages the existing resources and expertise to get the most bang for the buck in meeting the Chesapeake Bay TMDL and restoring the Chesapeake Bay estuary and should not impact property owners excessively. Research has shown that most lawns are not deficient in phosphorus and phosphorus free lawn fertilizer is widely available.

The TMDLs were created by a series of models of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed that include various land use models, water quality models and watershed models. These computer models are mathematical representations of the real world that estimate environmental events and conditions. The models are at best imperfect, but they are nonetheless the best tool available to view the 64,000 square miles of the watershed. The Chesapeake Bay and its watershed are so large and complex, that scientists and regulators rely on computer models for critical information about the ecosystem’s characteristics and the impact of various environmental actions to reduce pollution.

Pollutions loads for nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the urban areas are calculated using a constant pounds/acre/year for impervious acres as a fixed input, and the pervious load is based on total fertilizer sales data. Reducing the salting of roads, sidewalks and parking lots should impact the load number on impervious acres. Restricting the statewide sales of phosphorus containing fertilizer will reduce the total sales number which represents roughly five percent of excess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution discharged into the Chesapeake Bay from Virginia.

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Elizabeth Ward

About Me

Elizabeth was awarded an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS ChE from Polytechnic Institute of NYU, worked as a chemical engineer for both the US EPA in DC, and at DuPont before working in finance and then becoming consultant with Washington Advisors and is the author of "The Lenders Guide to Developing an Environmental Risk Management Program." Elizabeth retired from Washington Advisors and began her volunteer career and is currently the Treasurer of the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District.

Purpose

Green Risks provides information to understand the natural world especially in our local region. The blog is a mix of technical guidance and interesting information with a slant towards information to live a greener and more sustainable life. You will find articles on a wide range of water and environmental topics including help with water well problems and maintenance, septic systems and regulations, solar energy, low impact development, and many others all with the intent of teaching practical ways to solve problems and revive common sense in our society.